Southern restaurants in northwest Arkansas? (Fayetteville, Springdale: house, food, business)

[MOKAN]

Just out of curiosity, and since there are people on this forum who are willing to point out the Southern features of northwest Arkansas, I have a question. Are there any Southern restaurants in northwest Arkansas? I'd prefer to know of the local places that aren't as obvious, but I'd like to know of any chains too. I'm sure others have been, are, or will be curious about this too, so I'm sure this will be of interest to others and will be run across when the forums are searched in the future. That said, a nice list and all the details would be appreciated by more people than just me.

Where can I sit down and have fried chicken with sides of greens, okra and tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese, for example?

I'm also curious if fast food and chain restaurant menus reflect the fact they're in Arkansas or in the South in anyway.

-MOKAN

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by MOKAN

Just out of curiosity, and since there are people on this forum who are willing to point out the Southern features of northwest Arkansas, I have a question. Are there any Southern restaurants in northwest Arkansas? I'd prefer to know of the local places that aren't as obvious, but I'd like to know of any chains too. I'm sure others have been, are, or will be curious about this too, so I'm sure this will be of interest to others and will be run across when the forums are searched in the future. That said, a nice list and all the details would be appreciated by more people than just me.

Where can I sit down and have fried chicken with sides of greens, okra and tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese, for example?

I'm also curious if fast food and chain restaurant menus reflect the fact they're in Arkansas or in the South in anyway.

-MOKAN

I am sure there are lots of decent fried fish and fried chicken places, like the Flying fish in NWA. As for chains, you will find the same here as you do anywhere and the menu will be the same, nothing different. There used to be a decent place in Bentonville for chicken; it is long out of business. Most likely the places you would find truly southern are going to be in the smaller towns. It appears most of our restaurants around here are Mexican, Barb b cue, Asian and standard steak places; many are chains.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by MOKAN

Just out of curiosity, and since there are people on this forum who are willing to point out the Southern features of northwest Arkansas, I have a question. Are there any Southern restaurants in northwest Arkansas? I'd prefer to know of the local places that aren't as obvious, but I'd like to know of any chains too. I'm sure others have been, are, or will be curious about this too, so I'm sure this will be of interest to others and will be run across when the forums are searched in the future. That said, a nice list and all the details would be appreciated by more people than just me.

Where can I sit down and have fried chicken with sides of greens, okra and tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese, for example?

I'm also curious if fast food and chain restaurant menus reflect the fact they're in Arkansas or in the South in anyway.

-MOKAN

I think the bulk of "Southern" restaurants would be the chicken and the catfish places. The AQ Chicken House would be a "Southern" restaurant that originated in Springdale. The Monte Ne Inn which serves mainly chicken family-style would be considered a "Southern" restaurant. Catfish John's, name speaks for itself. There are many BBQ places throughout Northwest Arkansas. Many of the Italian restaurants in Tontitown make their pasta from scratch, and use local produce. I guess this begs the question, what is "Southern" cuisine? Is it deep-fried foods, or home-cooking? Cornbread? You find that everywhere. Grits? I prefer oatmeal, and I think grits is a stereotype. I will say growing up, BEFORE Northwest Arkansas began its explosive growth, that grits weren't all that plentiful. I tend to think the James at the Mill restaurant does a better job showcasing locally produced foods in inventive and flavorful ways. Unfortunately it's a bit expensive.

IHOP offers grits on their menu in Rogers. But they may offer grits in all their restaurants.

[sdquarle]

AQ Chicken House is pretty damn good.

[Rock Climber]

Catfish Hole on Wedington in Fayetteville. Neal's in Springdale. Lots of BBQ.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

I think the bulk of "Southern" restaurants would be the chicken and the catfish places. The AQ Chicken House would be a "Southern" restaurant that originated in Springdale. The Monte Ne Inn which serves mainly chicken family-style would be considered a "Southern" restaurant. Catfish John's, name speaks for itself. There are many BBQ places throughout Northwest Arkansas. Many of the Italian restaurants in Tontitown make their pasta from scratch, and use local produce. I guess this begs the question, what is "Southern" cuisine? Is it deep-fried foods, or home-cooking? Cornbread? You find that everywhere. Grits? I prefer oatmeal, and I think grits is a stereotype. I will say growing up, BEFORE Northwest Arkansas began its explosive growth, that grits weren't all that plentiful. I tend to think the James at the Mill restaurant does a better job showcasing locally produced foods in inventive and flavorful ways. Unfortunately it's a bit expensive.

IHOP offers grits on their menu in Rogers. But they may offer grits in all their restaurants.

I am pretty sure IHOP and Denny's, as well as Bob Evans all offer grits in all their restaurants. This would go for Cracker Barrel as well.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by Rock Climber

Catfish Hole on Wedington in Fayetteville. Neal's in Springdale. Lots of BBQ.

I was trying to remember Neal's. All I could think of was "pink restaurant across from Popeye". But "pink restaurant across from Popeye" is about as Southern as it gets.

[Robert_J]

Originally Posted by sdquarle

AQ Chicken House is pretty damn good.

I miss the AQ Chicken House.

Originally Posted by Rock Climber

Catfish Hole on Wedington in Fayetteville. Neal's in Springdale. Lots of BBQ.

Speaking of BBQ, has anyone tried Sassy's Red House in Fayetteville? I ask because they use Sassy Jones BBQ Sauce exclusively. It's made in Montrose, AR (way down in the southeast corner).

[Rock Climber]

Originally Posted by Robert_J

I miss the AQ Chicken House.

Speaking of BBQ, has anyone tried Sassy's Red House in Fayetteville? I ask because they use Sassy Jones BBQ Sauce exclusively. It's made in Montrose, AR (way down in the southeast corner).

I think Sassy's is good. I prefer Whole Hog Cafe but Sassy's has a great patio in the trees.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Rock Climber

I think Sassy's is good. I prefer Whole Hog Cafe but Sassy's has a great patio in the trees.

my granddaughter and hubby had their reception at Sassy's. Well it wasn't exactly a reception. It was basically just a big party to celebrate their marriage. She did have her baby shower there as well. When they were dating and before they had their little boy it was their favorite hangout. I think the owner is a friend of our grandson in laws.